Mike Guendling

Mike Guendling
No. 53
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1962-06-18) June 18, 1962 (age 62)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:238 lb (108 kg)
Career information
High school:St. Viator (IL)
College:Northwestern
NFL draft:1984 / round: 2 / pick: 33
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played:9
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Michael Anthony Guendling (born June 18, 1962) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Diego Chargers. He played college football for the Northwestern Wildcats.

Early years

Guendling attended St. Viator High School, where he was a three-year starter at linebacker.[1] He also practiced hockey.

He accepted a football scholarship from Northwestern University. He was named a starter at defensive back as a freshman. As a sophomore, he was moved to outside linebacker, to play in a 3-4 defense.

As a junior, he had 20 tackles (13 solo), helping the team beat Michigan State University and end a string off 44 consecutive road loses.

As a senior, he had 7 solo tackles (3 for loss), 2 sacks and 4 pass breakups in a 10-8 win against Indiana University. He finished second in school history with 29 career tackles for loss.[2] He also had 3 career interceptions.

He played two seasons with the school's hockey team.[1]

Professional career

Guendling was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round (33rd overall) of the 1984 NFL draft.[3] As a rookie, he was lost for the season after suffering a broken kneecap and knee ligament damage during training camp in July, which forced him to have 3 knee surgeries.[1]

In 1985, he returned to play in 9 games, limited mostly to special teams and had 7 tackles. In 1986, he suffered an ankle injury.[4] He wasn't able to regain his previous form after his knee injury and was waived on August 20.[5]

Personal life

His son Brian played college football at Texas State University.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c Cobbs, Chris (August 1, 1985). "He Won't Skate Through This Camp : Charger Mike Guendling Has Task of Rehabilitating Knee". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  2. ^ "Northwestern". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  3. ^ "1984 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  4. ^ "Surprise: Coryell Looking to the Air : Charger Coach May Use His Running Backs as Receivers". Los Angeles Times. June 1986. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  5. ^ "Transactions". Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  6. ^ "With a little 'Uptown Funk,' a college player is inspiring hearing-impaired". Retrieved January 12, 2019.